Congressional Newsletters

RAND Congressional newsletters and alerts highlight our research on the most relevant issues in the public policy debate. See the most recent issues below.

Health Insurance
National Spending Estimates Under Medicare for All
Apr 16, 2019
Some policymakers are examining "Medicare-for-All" proposals that would provide comprehensive health care coverage to the population nationwide. According to a new report, national spending under a Medicare-for-All plan would be $3.89 trillion in 2019, or a 1.8 percent increase relative to the costs under current law.
Military Personnel Retention
In Case You Missed It: Military Compensation to Support Retention, Performance, and Talent Management
Apr 11, 2019
Could the current military compensation system be improved to better support changes in personnel management? The system has performed well over time, but RAND's Beth Asch outlines some possible improvements for policymakers to consider.
Marijuana
What We Know and Don't Know About Cannabis
Apr 11, 2019
Cannabis policy is on the agenda across the nation as the federal and state governments confront questions about cannabis legalization, taxation options, and consequences for youth.
U.S.-European Relations
The U.S.-European Partnership Since World War II
Apr 4, 2019
How has the relationship between the United States and Europe advanced U.S. and global security over the past 70 years? RAND's Christine Wormuth explains why NATO is still relevant today and why this relationship is critical to U.S. security now and in the future.
Opioids
How is the Opioid Crisis Driving the Rise in Hepatitis C?
Apr 2, 2019
The hepatitis C virus is responsible for more deaths in the United States than any other infectious disease. Hepatitis C infections have been rising at an alarming rate since 2010.
Information Operations
In Case You Missed It: Approaches to Counter Russian Social Media Influence
Apr 1, 2019
In this Congressional briefing, Elizabeth Bodine-Baron discusses different approaches and policy options to respond to the specific threat of Russian influence via disinformation spread on social media in the United States.
Gun Violence
In Case You Missed It: Scientific Research Could Reduce Disagreements on Gun Policy
Mar 28, 2019
How can Congress help build a robust and transformative gun policy research enterprise? RAND's Andrew Morral discusses ideas that could improve the quality of research needed to help craft policies that could contribute to reducing gun injuries, deaths, and violence.
Military Command and Control
What Does China's Consolidation of Political Power Mean for its Military?
Mar 26, 2019
The concentration of political power in China under President Xi Jinping has impacted the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The military has undergone organizational reforms. Will these efforts make the military and domestic security forces more effective?
International Affairs
Considering National Security Policy in the 116th Congress
Mar 7, 2019
What are the biggest national security and international affairs policy issues facing the 116th Congress? RAND experts offer up insight on a variety of topics, including near peer competitors, rogue states and actors, military personnel, and more.
Military Intelligence
How Can the U.S. Counter Russian Hostile Measures in Europe?
Feb 26, 2019
Russia uses a range of political, economic, diplomatic, intelligence, and military activities to influence European countries. What can the U.S. government do to prevent Russian hostile measures from creating instability or shaping policy in target countries?
Infrastructure and Transportation
Considering Transportation and Infrastructure in the 116th Congress
Feb 19, 2019
What are the biggest transportation and infrastructure issues facing the 116th Congress? RAND experts offer up insight on a variety of topics, including autonomous vehicles, infrastructure and roadway safety, the Coast Guard, and more.
Education Policy
Considering Education Policy in the 116th Congress
Feb 8, 2019
What are the biggest education policy issues facing the 116th Congress? RAND experts offer up insight on a variety of topics, including early childhood care and learning, K-12 policy, higher education, workforce development, and more.